11 iconic sets that made the world take notice of Indian films!

Here is a look and some lesser-known facts about the great indian movie sets right from Mughal-E-Azam to Ponniyin Selvan!

India is a land rich in diversity, culture, and heritage, and I feel, what separates us from the rest of the world is how much heart we pour into our tiniest celebrations of occasions. This spirit of celebration and a boastful display of our tradition has been skillfully captured in our cinema as well, and has made the world take notice of our films right since the 50s. The film’s meticulously crafted sets have played a key role in this recognition, as their grand scale and detailed productions have showcased the richness of Indian culture and storytelling to the world. 

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Here are some of the most notable Indian film sets that have made a global impact!

The Baahubali series 

​SS Rajamouli’s magnum opus Baahubali was a game-changer for Indian cinema that had the world talking about it thanks to its elaborate sets, gorgeous costumes, and a stellar star cast. The ever-reliable Sabu Cyril immortalized the fictional kingdom of Mahistmati through his unmatched production design, crafting massive sets including humongous palaces, intricate temples, and immense battlefields over 100 acres at the Ramoji Film City. The scale and detail of the production design along with some CGI, set a new standard for big-budget Indian films and earned widespread international praise!

Mughal-E-Azam 

65 years on, and K Asif’s period drama ​Mughal-E-Azam, remains synonymous with opulence. M.K Syed brought the grandiosity of the Mughal Empire to life, dedicating 10-months to build the grand darbar set at a staggering budget of Rs 1.5 crore, in the 1950s! Not only this, the song Pyar Kiya Toh Darna Kya, which was famously shot in a custom-built Sheesh Mahal is still considered a masterpiece of art direction. The grandeur and historical accuracy of the sets made this epic an unforgettable cinematic experience!

Devdas

It is said that nobody presents Indian aesthetics better than Sanjay Leela Bhansali. and we couldn’t agree more! Devdas stands tall as one of the prime examples of his artistic vision and creativity that brought to life the vanity of Indian aristocrats during the British era. The film's sets, including Paro and Dev’s majestic havelis and Chandramukhi's ethereal court, were lavish and detailed and with stained glass, ornate pillars, and rich fabrics that created a visually stunning experience that captivated audiences worldwide!

Jodhaa Akbar

​Ashutosh Gowariker's historical romance diligently resurrected the Mughal and Rajput eras on silver screens, thanks to the director's commitment to detail and authenticity, coupled with Nitin Chandrakant Desai’s stellar execution. The sets, inspired by the architecture of Amer and Fatehpur Sikri, were built at ND Studios, Karjat to film some scenes wherein the gorgeous sandstone walls, archways, and regal courts offered an unforgettable big-screen experience!

​Padmaavat

​Another Sanjay Leela Bhansali epic, Padmaavat, too, was a visual treat for the audience. The film's sets, including the beautiful Chittor Fort and Khilji's opulent palace, were designed with remarkable detail, drawing inspiration from Rajasthan’s traditional miniature paintings. The sets of Rajput palaces made use of glass pieces, brighter tones, and beautiful fountains, while the Khilji mansions were more muted in their color palette, signifying the stark contrast between the aesthetics of the two empires. 

Bombay Velvet

Bombay Velvet, despite being a box office failure, had the world of cinema talking about it courtesy of its mega-budget set. The ​Anurag Kashyap directorial recreated 1960s Bombay in a massive 10-acre set in Sri Lanka, drawing inspiration from heritage buildings, iconic signages, and pictorial references from archives, films, museums, and libraries. The attention to detail in bringing the bygone era to life, from the Portuguese-inspired architecture to the period-specific street scenes, was widely appreciated by critics and cinephiles. The set construction cost a whopping 16 crore.

Ponniyin Selvan: I 

Mani Ratnam's historical epic that explored the power, politics, and grandeur of the Chola dynasty also stunned the audience with its visual appeal. While utilizing natural landscapes, the film also built humongous sets to recreate the majestic palaces and vibrant ports of the era, which presented the rich history of Southern India to a global audience.

Saaho

An ambitious action thriller, Saaho featured large-scale action sequences and grand sets, including a vibrant fictional city. The film was shot in a combination of real locations across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Europe, and also in a stunning replica of the city of Abu Dhabi. The film's futuristic production design complemented the sleek vibe of the actioner and became a key element in its attempt to create a global action spectacle.

Bharat

Ali Abbas Zafar's Bharat, which captured the journey of India post-independence through the life of its protagonist, was nothing short of a spectacle. The Bharat Circus in particular was a hot topic of discussion around the release of the film as it recreated the 1960s ambience through its 40-feet-tall circus set that included elaborate props, fire hoops, and much more. According to media reports, the sets for Bharat cost the makers approximately 15 crores. 

Thugs of Hindostan

Vijay Krishna Acharya’s Thugs of Hindostan, despite failing to impress the audiences, was larger than life in many ways, and the fact that a dedicated team of designers worked for nearly three years before the film went on floors to achieve the desired look and feel of it, testifies the ambition and intent behind it. The makers spent a bomb on building two ships weighing more than 200 tonnes, availing the services of international designers and shipwrights, as they were the most important part of the film. 

Bajirao Mastani

Another Sanjay Leela Bhansali spectacle, Bajirao Mastani was shot in Gujarat’s Aaina Mahal, where the makers crafted aesthetics inspired by Mughal-e-Azam. According to media reports, 23 sets that approximately took 8-9 years of research, were built to capture the Maratha grandeur on celluloid. Pune's Shaniwaar Wada, was replicated in Mumbai's Film City. 50-feet-pillars were erected to showcase the majestic durbar, and the space was bedecked with thousands of intricately designed mirrors as well as tens of delicate chandeliers. 

Which other film sets do you feel should have made into our list? Tell us in the comments below!

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